Rahiba R Parveen
SRINAGAR: When on Sunday evening Ravana’s effigy was set afire with crackers, the Hindus, who had gathered at the polo ground in Kashmir capital Srinagar to celebrate Dussehra, erupted in joy.
For Preeti and other members of her community, the burning commemorated the victory of their deity Ram over the demon Ravana and depicts good prevailing over evil.
But Hindus or Pandits – as the Kashmiri Hindus are known – were not the only ones who braved rain and cold to celebrate.
Jawed Ahmed, one among the dozens of Muslims present here, said he had been waiting for the past one month.
“I am quite aware of their festivities during Navratra. There is a temple in my area that remains lit throughout the period. But I was very keen to see the Ravana burn,” he told FreePress as he watched the fireworks, amazed.
Ahmed came from Ganpatyar, one among many localities in this Muslim-majority valley which were once dominated by Pandits. But then the Pandits left in droves in the early nineties when simmering discontent against New Delhi’s rule here turned into a full blown rebellion.
Some settled in migrant camps in the state’s Jammu province while the others settled down in other states of the country. Although violence has largely waned, yet few of them have returned despite promises of jobs and money by the government.
I was very keen to see the Ravana burn – Jawed Ahmed
A few organised groups of the migrants, like the Panun Kashmir, want the government to establish a separate homeland for them here in the valley to encourage them to return.
They cite security concerns, prompting separatist leaders to assure them safety if they lived together with the Muslims.
But for the Pandits who never left home, all is well on this front.
The Dussehra celebrations that had been halted in view of the conflict resumed in 2007 and except for 2008 and 2010, when the valley witnessed a mass uprising, have been going on smooth.
Watching the ‘evil’ burn at the polo ground, Amit, who gave only his single name, said he has always seen Muslims being part of other Pandit celebrations as well.
“It is a part of us from our childhood. May the Eids and Navratras be celebrated with the same compassion ever,” he said.
